3:21a

Fathers: The Greek word Paul used here usually refers specifically to fathers. Rarely it can be used to include both parents (see Hebrews 11:23). The Good News Translation translates it “parents” (see also New Jerusalem Bible and SSA), but most English versions say “fathers.” Since Paul used the more usual word for “parents” in 3:20, it is more likely that he was addressing fathers alone here as the ones who have final authority in the home.

do not provoke your children: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates provoke means “to rouse to anger, provoke, irritate.” In the context, this means “do not irritate your children ⌊by constantly correcting/scolding them for everything they do⌋.”

3:21b

discouraged: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates discouraged means to become sad (or angry, or frustrated), and therefore to stop trying to do what pleases God. Here is another way to translate this word:

they might give up (Contemporary English Version)

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